Denver (LPD 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commanding Officer ' m

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The second DENVER (CL-58) was built between 1940 and 1942, commissioned 15 October 1942, Captain R. B. Carney, USN, commanding. DENVER proved very ef- ficient early, sailing from Philadel- phia on 23 January 1943, arriving in the New Hebrides 14 February. The new cruiser first saw action in the bombardment of Vila, Solomon Islands on 6 March. During this same action, DENVER ' S force sank two Japanese destroyers and par- ticipated in the invasion landing of New Georgia. The same year, DENVER sorties from Port Purvis with M-39 to intercept an enemy force at- tempting to disrupt the landing at Cape Terekina, Bougainville, a move which proved successful. During those operations, DENVER received the Navy Unit 1942-1960 Commendation award. DENVER participated in several other operations throughout the remainder of 1943 and through- out most of 1944. She returned to the Philippines in 1945, providing support for various operations. DENVER received 11 battle stars during the war. They included awards for efforts in the Solomon Islands, New Georgia, Feasbury, Bougainville, Marianas, Western Carolina Islands, Leyte, Luzon, Manila Bay, Borneo Operations, The Consolication of the Southern Philippines and the Third Fleet Operations against Japan. DENVER was placed out of commission 7 February 1947 and sold 29 February 1960.

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R W. Peacher, CAPT., USN Captain Robert W. Preacher graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign in June 1957. He was designated a Naval Aviator in December 1958. After commissioning and receiving his aviation designation, Captain Peacher reported to Attack Squadron 52 at Naval Air Station, Mirimar, Calif, in January 1959 and made three Western Pacific deployments on the USS TICONDEROGA (CVS-14) and one South American deployment on the USS LEXINGTON (CVS-16). He was then ordered to Commander Naval Air Forces, Korea, as Aide and Flag Lieutenant. In March 1964, Captain Peacher was ordered to the Naval Post Graduate School at Monter- ey, Calif, where he underwent instruction in Communication Engineering. Following this instructional period. Captain Peacher reported to the Defense Communications Agency in Washington, D.C., where he served as Chief of the Allocations and Engineering Branch. In November 1967, Captain Peacher was ordered to Attack Squadron 144 where he served as Operations and Maintenance Officer and made two Western Pacific deployments on the USS BON HOMME RICHARD. In July 1971, Captain Peacher reported to the Air Command Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base graduating as a Distinguished Graduate. Following this tour, Captain Peacher was oredered to the Attack Squadron 212 as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer and made a Western Pacific cruise aboard the USS HANCOCK (CVS-19), Captain Peacher ' s combat flying time began with flying the AD-4 (SPAD) from the TICONDEROGA and LEXINGTON. On his next sea tour, Captain Peacher flew the A-4 (SKYHAWK) from the BON HOMME RICHARD and the HANCOCK. With the completion of his combat flying onboard HANCOCK, Captain Peacher compiled 411 combat missions into North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Laos. In May 1973, he was ordered to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C., and also graduated as a Distinguished Graduate. Subsequently, he was ordered to OPNA V where he was assigned to OP-06 as the Command and Control Policy Officer and later as the Chief of the National Policy and Command Relations Branch (OP 602). Captain Peacher was then ordered in June 1976 to the USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) as Operations Officer. In August 1977 he assumed the duties as Executive Officer of CONSTELLATION. In October 1978, he reported to OPNA V where he was assigned as the Head of the CV Acquisition Branch (OP 552). In March 1979, Captain Peacher was assigned as the Executive Assitant to DCNO Air Warfare (OP 05). On 17 March 1981, Captain Peacher assumed command of the USS DENVER (LPD-9). Captain Peacher ' s decorations include two Silver Stars, 13 Distinguished Flying Crosses, one Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, nine Air Medals, one Joint Service Commendation Medtd and four Navy Commendation Medals. Captain Peacher is married to the former Carolyn Lee Boles of Midland, Texas. They have two sons, Alexander and Brent.